Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1887-03-31
PLATFORM
OF the National Party of the Cher
okee Nation, Adopted in Con-
vention, at Tahlequah,
March 18th, 1887.

The delegates in convention assem-
bled at Tahlequah, Cherokee Nation,
this 1lth day of March, 1887, do adopt
and proclaim the following principles
as those which distinguish and will be
supported by the National party of the
Cherokee Nation:
lst. The National party renews its
fidelity to the existing form OF govern
ment of the Cherokee people and
pledges itself. so far as in them lies,
to hand il down unimpaired to their
posterity.
%. Ii pledges itself to a faithful, in
telligent and impartial administration
Of law.
81. In regard to the Cherokee lands
west o. % degrees, included in our pat
ent," the National party declares that
the right of possession of, and jurisdic.
ton over said lands. with the "iee"
thereof, remain, aud will remain in the
Cherokee Nation, save and except such
tracts only az have been, or shall be, in
strict compliance with treaty, and not
otherwise, appraised, paid for and set
tied by friendly Indian tribes, and so
continue thereafter to be settled and
used in accordance with the purpose of
treaty. 1t will strive to maintain en-
tire the national domain for the Cher
okee people, consistent with the pro-
visions of treaty aud the constitution,
and in so doing will seek TO uphold
and defend the rights of the nation
and of all of its citizens against the
trespass, depreciation and intrusion of
non citizens, bv applying to the U. )
Government for the imposition of
proper penalties TO restrain such
wrOng-doing.
4th. The eminent success which has
crow ned the educational and humane
policy Of the Natioal party, as witness
ed by the schools and asylums of the
nation, is safe guarantee that the
highest moral, intellectual and social
welfare OF all classes 0f Cherokee citi-
zens may be safely confded 10 its con-
tinued care and guardianship; recog-
nizing as il does the wisdom Of the
trainers Of the Cherokee constitution
nearly fifty years ago, when they in
corporated in chat honored instrument
the declaration that religion, morality
and knowledge being necessary to
good government, the preservation Of
liberty and the happiness Of mankind,
schools and the means Of education
shall forever be encouraged in this Ma
ton"
5th. The National party Is hereby
pledged against all species of corrup-
tiOn in the details Of the government
Of this Nation. II especially inculcaies
pure and patriotic motives in legisia-
tive conduct. Ii is accordingly oppOs-
ell TO the erection or filling of any
office, in the filling Of which a member
Of either senate or council may have q
personal and pecuniary interest.
9Th. The National party pledges
Ill T,.I l..
orable obligations Of the Nation shall
be upheld.
7th. The National party pledges
itself 10 all citizens adopted under
treaty. the enjoyment Of equal rights
with native CherOkees, aud, should
friendly and honest difference Of opin-
ion arise with either or any class Of all
opted citizens, in regard TO their re-
spectiye rights 10 the national prop
eTty, the National party will, without
any spirit Of contention, but for fair
ness sake, and 10 effect n fnal settle
ment Of the question, invite reference
of the difference to whatever judicial
tribunal may be appropriate and des-
i2pated 70 decide the points at issue.
Sth. The National party. obligates
itself 10 oppose all special legislation
whereby valuable aud far.Teaching
yiduals 10 the exclusion Of the people
at large, and will, as far as practicable,
project the rights Of the people in the
common heritage OF the nation.
9th. The National party will at all
times observe in good faith its treaties
with the United States and will cherish
relations of continued friendship with
their red brothers Of the Indian Ter
ritOry.
10Th. 1t will foster industry, encour-
age enterprise and aid ia the develop
meut Of the resources Of the Nation by
a liberal policy toward labor and the
agricultural and stOck-raising interests
Of the Nation.
llth. The National party condemns
as unlawful and arbitrary the intro
ductiOn of railroads in our country
without the consent Of the Cherokee
people being had in reference thereto
and will favor the using OF all legal
means ia testing the general question
involved
18th. The National party points
with pride TO the maintenance Of the
integrity Of the Cherokee nation, the
advancement Ia knowledge and per.
sOnal wealth Of it's citizens, the judic-
iOus management Of it's finances and
the grand recognition it has obtained
OF the rights Of the Cherokee Nation in
the district and supreme courts Of tho
United States under the present ad-
With such a record and
with the declaration ofprineiples here
In reiterated IL can justly claim the
continued support OF the people Of the
Cherokee Nation, and now confidently
invites all classes Of voters 10 join |
them heart and hand in the triumph
ant election on the Drst Monday IN |
August, 1887, 10 the Offices Of principal I
and assistant chiefs, Of Rabbit Bunch /
and George w. CLARK, who have been /
alike distinguished by integrity 10 |
Office and honesty and liberality in
private life.